Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, today launched Bharatiya Bhasha Summer Camp (BBSC) at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), New Delhi.

The nationwide initiative aims to celebrate India’s linguistic diversity and promote multilingualism among school students, in line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Viksit Bharat 2047. India’s rich multilingual heritage reflects the spirit of “Unity in Diversity.” India’s linguistic diversity is one of its greatest cultural strengths and our nation speaks 1,369 languages and dialects. The Bharatiya Bhasha Summer Camp seeks to help children experience this diversity through joyful, activity-based, and experiential learning.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, DoSEL, emphasised the transformative vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, highlighting the pivotal role of multilingualism in strengthening cognition, communication, and foundational learning among children. He encouraged school students to learn in their mother tongue, embrace multilingual learning, and continuously enrich their vocabulary to improve their communication skills. Stressing that language is one of the most powerful mediums of communication, he also motivated the students to explore literature and appreciate the richness of Indian languages.

Shri Chamu Krishna Shastry, Chairman, Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, emphasised that India is home to an extraordinary linguistic heritage, with 1,369 languages spoken across the country, each representing the cultural richness and identity of its people. He noted that multilingualism not only reflects the cultural vibrancy of India but also promotes a sense of belonging and emotional connection among people from different regions, fostering national integration and mutual respect throughout the country. He also encouraged students to utilise their summer vacations to learn Bharatiya Bhashas, highlighting that learning Indian languages would help them connect more deeply with the cultural roots and diverse traditions of India.

Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director, NCERT, highlighted that India’s diversity is beautifully reflected in its many languages, which serve not only as a means of communication but also as a medium for expression, the sharing of thoughts, and building connections with others. He emphasised that learning and using one’s mother tongue strengthens understanding, creativity, and cultural identity. Referring to NEP 2020, he noted that the policy promotes multilingualism to encourage inclusive education, preserve linguistic diversity, and foster national integration through mutual respect and understanding among different communities.

Smt. Prachi Pandey, Joint Secretary (I&T), Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, delivered the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, teachers, students, and partner organisations for their valuable presence and support in making the programme a success.

Bharatiya Bhasha Summer Camp seeks to engage school students from classes 1 to 12 through storytelling, songs, games, theatre, conversations, folk traditions, art and cultural exchange activities. Children will learn basic conversational skills in an Indian language other than their mother tongue while developing an appreciation for different cultures and traditions across the country. During the academic year 2025–26, more than 5 crore students actively participated in BBSC 2025.

A key highlight of BBSC 2026 is the inclusion of Indian Sign Language (ISL) as part of the programme, promoting inclusive and equitable education. Schools are encouraged to use ISL learning resources available through the dedicated PM e-Vidya DTH TV ISL Channel No. 31 and collaborate with local organisations and special educators to provide meaningful exposure to ISL.

The programme also featured an exhibition on multilingual education, which showcased innovative practices and initiatives related to multilingual learning and Indian languages. A Nukkad Natak on multilingualism presented by Kendriya Vidyalaya students added vibrancy to the programme and conveyed the message of linguistic inclusivity and unity in diversity.

Bharatiya Bhasha Summer Camp seeks to benefit students, teachers and schools across the country while strengthening national integration through the learning of multiple Indian languages and the exchange of culture. This nationwide initiative aims to celebrate the linguistic diversity of India and promote multilingualism among school students, in line with the vision of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Viksit Bharat 2047.

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